Alex Smith trade sparks reaction from 49ers teammates

SANTA CLARA -- Alex Smith's career with the 49ers will end with a trade to the Kansas City Chiefs, multiple NFL sources told this news organization Wednesday.

Under terms of the deal, which can't be ratified until March 12, the 49ers would receive a second-round draft pick this year and a conditional third-round choice in 2014. The latter could become a second-round pick based on Smith's playing time and Kansas City's success, a source said.

With the addition of the Chiefs' pick (No. 34 overall), the 49ers could enter the April 25-27 draft with as many as 15 selections.

"This trade is stealing for the Niners," ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer said. "I cannot believe they got a second and a conditional out of this. ... They are set up to not just be successful next year and the year after that, but five, six, seven years."

49ers quarterback Alex Smith. (AP)

The 49ers would not confirm the trade. Neither would the Chiefs, who now are operated by coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey after the housecleaning precipitated by a 2-14 finish last season.

Smith was unavailable for comment, but his mother, Pam Smith, told the Kansas City Star: "We're very excited about the opportunity, the situation, the coach ... Andy Reid is an offensive-minded quarterback coach, and so well-respected and well-thought of, so we're really excited about that."

Tackle Joe Staley, one of Smith's closest friends on the 49ers, posted on Twitter: "Best of luck to Alex in KC. Amazing teammate, friend, and person."

The trade was first reported Wednesday by Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. Three days earlier, Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports had reported the 49ers had a deal with an unidentified team.

Kansas City is familiar landing spot for former 49ers quarterbacks, most notably Joe Montana, who was traded there in 1993. Others included Elvis Grbac, Steve Bono and Steve DeBerg.

Scott Pioli, the former Chiefs G.M., said this deal still might not be done.

"One thing I've heard in talking to some good sources is that this thing hasn't been completely finalized yet," Pioli told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I think they're still working through some of the absolute details on what the compensation is."

Smith, 28, was drafted first overall in 2005 out of Utah and endured a rocky tenure with the 49ers until Jim Harbaugh arrived as coach in 2011. Smith's record as a starter was 19-31 when Harbaugh arrived. Since then: 19-5-1.

Smith was having his best season yet when he suffered a concussion in a Nov. 12 game against St. Louis. Colin Kaepernick replaced him that day, and forevermore, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl with his exceptional ability as a runner and a passer.

Though deemed healthy after missing one game, Smith played only once more for the 49ers, a late-game cameo in the regular-season finale at home.

In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, Smith denied a report that he would request his release, but he didn't mask his desire to be a starting quarterback again.

"I want to play football. I'm not hiding that fact," Smith said Jan. 30. "I love this team. I love being a part of it and of what's going on, but I want to play football."

According to a source, Smith provided the 49ers with a list of preferred teams, and Kansas City was at or near the top. Trent Baalke, the 49ers G.M., said last week that he recently had dinner with Smith to discuss options.

Smith's departure would put the 49ers in the market for quarterback depth. Scott Tolzien, a second-year player who never has played in a regular-season game, is the only other quarterback on the current roster.